Page 12 - 2021 MAR/APR Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine

Deciding to become a mentor isn’t hard. Small fish and small bites don’t always monsters. Remember that learning to cast,
But it is a commitment to the future. Not make a round bobber submerge, thus reel and set a hook are paramount to an
only the future of fishing or hunting, but to making it more difficult for novice angler’s success. Those skills are perfectly
the future quality of life of the person who fisherman to know when to set the hook. honed on summer sunfish.
is mentored. All you have to do is decide to This can lead to frustration, which may
commit, then find the one or two or three result in a bad experience. Stick-shaped
to whom you will serve as a mentor. bobbers also help eliminate some of the DOn P. BROWn/ODWC
It’s a likely bet that everyone knows slack caused from a fish strike, making it
someone who would love for you to take easier to set the hook and ultimately reel
them fishing. Ask, then plan, then do it. in the fish.
While the initial exposure is very important, It’s important to provide encouragement
it’s just as important to continue the process. when a bite is missed or the bait is taken.
Remember, you are committing to create a A target-rich environment allows a new
new angler for a lifetime! angler the opportunity to make mistakes
while still having success.
This is where a small body of water,
IMPORTANCE OF SUCCESS such as one of the ODWC Close to Home
Fishing lakes or a farm pond, comes in
We’ve all heard the saying “a day of handy. A large reservoir or big river can be
fishing is better than a day of anything overwhelming for a new angler. Keeping
else.” Unfortunately, that sentiment isn’t things small, from water size to fish, is best.
always shared by first-time anglers. Success Catching panfish is an excellent start
is important, and that success is a result of for new anglers. They’re easy to hook and
good preparation, proper technique, know- easy to reel in. We love the excitement
The Paul George Foundation’s support of OKFITS
how, and a little luck sprinkled in. of fighting a fish, but we didn’t learn to has helped numerous fourth-graders experience the
There’s nothing better than seeing the accomplish that feat by starting off with thrill of catching their first fish.
marvel on a new angler’s face when he
or she reels in that first fish. But there’s
nothing more frustrating than watching a MARshALL ReiGh/ODWC
new angler fidget with impatience. That’s
why it’s best to start someone off with the
basics: bobber, bait and a productive time
of year. In Oklahoma, the best time of year
is late spring, summer and early fall.
Those times are when most Oklahoma
fish species are actively feeding near shore.
Bass, sunfish and catfish all patrol the
near-shore areas of lakes and ponds during
the warmer months. A worm and a bobber
fished near structure, such as logs or rip-
rap, can yield great results.
The fishing is usually fast and furious,
which is perfect for beginners. The thrill
of seeing a bobber bounce around almost
immediately after hitting the water keeps
new anglers actively engaged in the
experience. It also teaches those anglers
where to look for fish, which is important
as they venture further into the sport.
Light, small tackle is best. Traditionally,
small round bobbers are used when fishing
with a worm. That’s fine, but new anglers
might have more fun using small stick-
shaped bobbers, which create less friction
with the water and tend to move more during
the bite. Reeling in a mess of catfish like this makes for great memories for Mom and the kids.

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